Title
Organics Management Briefing
Recommended Action/UAC Deliverable:
Receive a briefing from staff on current organics management.
Report
Issue:
Staff will brief the UAC about ongoing efforts to manage organic waste in Thurston County.
Staff Contact:
Ron Jones, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Waste ReSources, 360.753.8509
Presenter(s):
[If this is an Other Business item, Study Session or Committee discussion, list presenter(s) by name and title or affiliation and in the order of their presentation.]
Background and Analysis:
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) requested a briefing about dry anaerobic digestion (AD) and managing organic waste. Staff last presented on organics management and AD in 2011. At that time, the only AD facilities in Washington were associated with dairy farms, and LOTT was not considering AD as part of their operation. This still holds true today. Staff’s research suggested that an AD facility for municipal organic waste, e.g., food scraps, may only be feasible in a large metropolitan area such as Oakland or San Jose where feedstock is located in close proximity to the digester.
At close to 30 percent, organic waste continues to be a large part of the waste stream. Collection for off-site composting remains the most convenient option for residents and businesses to dispose of organic waste. Staff will present what efforts are in the works and still being explored, as well as new technologies that could be used.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None known.
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact. Briefing only.